Cold & Cough medicine

[willsie01]

After a triple bypass I'm on low dose aspirin, bisoprolol & atorvastatin. My pharmacist says I shouldn't take cold/flu remedies. I'm currently suffering with what seems to be the "worst cold and cough ever", as described on the BBC website. What can I take?

[080311]

Hi,

They do say that any over the counter remedies are really not for us taking medication. Most of us here say a hot toddy, hot water honey lemon and a tot of whiskey. You are allowed paracetamol so for the aches and pains of a cold that’s what I take.

Hope your feeling better.

Best wishes Pauline

[Hidden]

I have always taken Lemsip. It is mostly paracetamol so I still take that

[Steve_G]

You shouldn’t take OTC remedies containing aspirin or ibuprofen but paracetamol should be fine. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a problem because you’re already taking aspirin. A pharmacist should be able to point you in the right direction

[Qualipop]

Honey and lemon?

[MountainGoat52]

I avoid OCMs as much as possible. Many include Phenylephrine which raises blood pressure and can cause a pounding heart beat. Thankfully since having a bypass my system seems to be better in coping with exposure to colds and flu.